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Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Norwegian Visit to Canada, Day Two

The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway in Toronto

(photo Ryerson University Twitter)

The past is always with us, even as we look to the future. The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway spent day two of their official visit to Canada in Toronto with a spotlight on literature and innovation, two subjects close to their hearts. But the day was dominated by the man who founded the modern monarchy in Norway and whose name is born by the future king. Welcome to day two of the Norwegian Royal Visit Canada.

Business innovation has been a big part of this four day trip and as their time in Toronto got under way, Haakon Magnus and Mette-Marit took part in a seminar at Ryerson University where the Crown Prince talked about centuries of change and entrepreneurial projects of the future.

It was in conjunction with Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Embassy in Canada and saw guests explore different innovation zones including areas with a focus on digital technology and social media.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is well known for her love of books and promoting literacy and day two also saw the royal guests attend an event promoting Norwegian writing and encouraging others to embrace the written word.

Mette-Marit took part in a seminar with Norwegian writers, Erland Loe and Hilde K. Kvalvaag, with the event also looking at the links between the book trades of Norway and Canada.

But the real royal star of day two was King Haakon VII, great grandfather of the current Crown Prince and the man who gave him his name. The present day Haakon, along with Mette-Marit, attended a gala screening of the film about the first modern King of Norway.

Kongens Nei, the King's Choice, was premiered at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto. It tells the story of King Haakon VII as the Nazis occupied Norway and his choice to oppose them. It will be Norway's entry for next year's Best Foreign Film Oscar and it's already getting good reviews.